OG article by dale schafer November 13, 2025 I. Introduction This memorandum outlines the statutory procedure by which U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi , acting through the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) under Administrator Terry Cole , could deschedule marijuana from the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The process is governed entirely by 21 U.S.C. § 811 , which requires a binding scientific and medical recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Se

OG article by Chris Roberts November 13, 2025 President Trump signed a spending bill averting shutdown, embedding a hemp THC ban that criminalizes most derivatives in 365 days, redefining hemp to ≤0.3% total THC (including THCA) on dry weight—closing 2018 Farm Bill gaps exploited for intoxicating products like THCA flower ($100M+ market) and synthetics (HHC, THC-P). This guts the $28.3 billion industry, forging odd alliances: cannabis firms, anti-legalization foes, law enfor

OG article by Sophie Nieto-Munoz November 13, 2025 Senate President Nicholas Scutari (D-Union) introduced S4847 to overhaul New Jersey's cannabis framework, enabling medical dispensaries to sell recreational products without local opt-in approval—even in the 70% of towns that banned recreational sales post-legalization. This counters declining medical program enrollment, as recreational access (launched April 2022) now covers most products for adults 21+. The bill eases Cann

OG article by Kayleigh Randle November 13, 2025 Kentucky's hemp sector teeters on collapse after Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) inserted a provision into a government funding bill banning hemp products exceeding 0.4 mg THC per container, citing child protection from intoxicating loopholes in the 2018 Farm Bill. McConnell argued companies convert legal THC levels into potent substances sold unregulated. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) fiercely opposed, warning the threshold eliminates 100

OG article by Madeline Colli November 13, 2025 A new study by MoreBetter Ltd challenges impending Senate hemp restrictions, revealing low-dose THC beverages (1-10 mg per serving) boost well-being, curb alcohol use, and pose minimal impairment risks. Analyzing 2,580 adults over 22 days, findings include: WHO-5 well-being scores rose 22.7% (42.93 to 52.67); psychological distress fell sharply (depression -50.7%, stress -45%, anxiety -48.8%); daily alcohol probability dropped 1

OG article by Kyle Jaeger November 13, 2025 In a landmark Senate vote on cannabis, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) joined Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) as one of two Republicans supporting a failed amendment to block a hemp THC ban in a spending bill. The Senate passed the measure, backed by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), which critics say would devastate the industry by prohibiting products with over 0.4 mg THC per container. Cruz, a vocal critic of federal marijuana rescheduling due to rising

OG article by Molly Farrar November 12, 2025 Petitioners for a ballot question to repeal Massachusetts recreational marijuana face accusations of misleading voters. Complaints allege signature gatherers used bait-and-switch tactics, advertising affordable housing or redistricting petitions while hiding the marijuana repeal. State officials confirm multiple complaints; some voters signed without reading. The Coalition for a Healthy Massachusetts denies endorsing deception, ca

OG article by Brian Mastre November 12, 2025 Former Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster announced on Veterans Day that he now supports medical marijuana, citing veterans’ preference for cannabis over opioids. He criticized Gov. Jim Pillen for delaying implementation despite 70% voter approval last year. Herbster’s spokesman says many are urging him to run again in the May primary, but no decision has been made.

OG article by Hannah Harris Green November 12, 2025 Kentucky Republicans threaten to derail the spending bill over a surprise hemp ban that would outlaw nearly all THC-containing products, including non-intoxicating CBD. Sen. Rand Paul voted against the bill; Reps. Massie, Comer, and Barr oppose the provision. The ban, pushed by Sen. McConnell and Rep. Harris, sets a 0.4 mg THC limit per container. Hemp advocates call it devastating to a $30 billion industry. The bill needs

OG article by Alex Taylor November 12, 2025 A vehicle crashed into the front entrance of Sunnyside Dispensary in Wintersville, Ohio, Tuesday afternoon. Wintersville Fire and Rescue and police responded. No injuries were reported. The car sustained heavy front-end damage; the building’s entryway was also impacted. Police have not released details on the cause.

OG article by Kyle Jaeger November 12, 2025 Congressional leaders dropped bipartisan provisions that would have allowed VA doctors to recommend medical marijuana in legal states, despite both chambers passing versions earlier this year. The omission, revealed days before Veterans Day, drew sharp criticism. NORML and Marijuana Policy Project called it “cruel” and “insensitive” to veterans using cannabis for pain and PTSD. The final spending bill contains no cannabis language

OG article by AJ Herrington November 12, 2025 A last-minute spending bill to end the 41-day government shutdown includes a ban on intoxicating hemp products, sparking outrage. The measure redefines legal hemp to include delta-8 THC and other cannabinoids, effectively criminalizing most products with more than trace THC. Advocates say even full-spectrum CBD would become illegal under the 0.4 mg THC-per-package limit. Regulated marijuana operators support the ban, calling it